Switzerland’s Roger Federer raised his game in the second round of Wimbledon and defeated Richard Gasquet, whom he dominates the rivalry 19-2, to reach the next stage of the tournament (7-6 (1), 6-1, 6-4).
After a drab tournament debut against Adrian Mannarino, Federer performed better against another Frenchman, Gasquet, whom he had beaten in 18 of their 20 matches before this Thursday, 1 July.
Roger Federer neutralised the Frenchman and, with great authority, took the first set after the tie break. He won by 7-1 and gave a mental blow to Gasquet, which lasted for the next half hour, which was what it took the Swiss also to score the second set.
With nothing to lose and before a centre court with good public attendance and bathed by the sun, Gasquet gave spectacle and battle in the third set, but Federer broke his service in the seventh game to take advantage that he would not let go of until the end.
Federer’s next opponent will be Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who defeated Australian Alex Bolt 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 and comes into this Wimbledon having already reached the final at Queen’s. It will be the second time Federer and Norrie will meet after the Hopman Cup in 2019.
